Celebrating National Adoption Day: 215 Children Find Forever Families in Monterey Park
- On Saturday, Monterey Park, California, celebrated National Adoption Day.
- Amy Campion, who adopted two young children, shared, "They’ve been with us almost their whole lives.
- Adam Munoz, a 15-year-old who had lived with John Christman and Andrea Sorrentino since age 10, became a part of their family that day.
National Adoption Day 2024 Celebrated in Monterey Park, California
On Saturday, Monterey Park, California, celebrated National Adoption Day. Over 200 children from Los Angeles County officially joined new families just before Thanksgiving.
Amy Campion, who adopted two young children, shared, “They’ve been with us almost their whole lives. So, I’m not sure they understand the gravity of today, but they’re excited.”
Judges opened the courthouse for adoption hearings. About 130 parents adopted more than 215 children that day.
Adam Munoz, a 15-year-old who had lived with John Christman and Andrea Sorrentino since age 10, became a part of their family that day. Munoz expressed, “For any of the kids that see this, you will find the right parent when you feel it.”
John and Andrea Christman said, “We’re thankful and grateful. It’s finally official.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attended the event, highlighting the importance of family.
The Milner family returned to share their success story. They adopted Alexander when he was two years old. Now at 18, he is preparing to transition to adulthood while being supported at home.
Akemi Arakiki, Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court in L.A. County, noted the challenges many children face in the foster system, stating, “It can be a grueling process. Some of these children have been in the system for years.”
There are currently over 20,000 children in Los Angeles County’s foster care system, and on this day, about 215 officially found their forever homes. Adam Munoz described the feeling of adoption, saying, “[It’s] like an endless hug from someone you miss for so long.”